HONOLULU – Calling all code challengers! DevLeague will host the 2017 NASA Space Apps Challenge in Hawaii at the Manoa Innovation Center with sponsorship from the High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC). The 48-hour challenge launches April 29 – 30, and is designed to bring together passionate problem solvers to create solutions for everyday issues through the use of NASA’s data set.

“It’s an honor to have Hawaii’s innovators be a part of this dynamic international challenge once more,” said Gov. David Ige. “It is inspiring to see their problem-solving skills in action and to share our outstanding local talent with the world.”

Last year, Honolulu was one of more than 160 cities across six continents that participated in the event, offering challenges to better understand planet Earth and beyond. This year’s event is expected to draw an even larger crowd.

“This event will showcase Hawaii’s growing innovation and technology community,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “It’s an opportunity for Hawaii’s creative and science sectors to come together and inspire new ideas and solutions in our community.”

“Community is such a big part of what we do and we are thrilled to be hosting the NASA Space Apps Challenge again” said Russel Cheng co-founder of DevLeague, one of the state’s premier coding boot camps. “This is a great opportunity to connect the talented innovators in Hawaii and showcase them on a global stage.”

“One of the most compelling aspects of the NASA Space Apps Challenge is that it is truly powered by the participants and their creative energy,” said Robbie Melton, executive director and CEO of HTDC. “We are excited to see what contributions these out-of-the-box thinkers from across the tech ecosystem will bring to this year’s event, and the Manoa Innovation Center is the perfect venue for this kind of collective and sharing of ideas.”

This year’s challenge consists of five stimulating categories:

The Earth and Us – Challenges in this category ask participants to combine NASA’s Earth Science data with sociological and economic information to generate new understanding and perspectives on human-environment interactions.

Planetary Blues – Participants will be asked to analyze and visualize NASA’s data on hydrosphere (surface and groundwater) and cryosphere (sea ice and ice sheets, etc.)

Warning! Danger Ahead! – This category asks for an analysis of NASA’s data to assist in monitoring natural disasters and phenomena associated with health risk, as well as assess the impact on life and property.

In addition to HTDC, other event sponsors include Startup Capitol Ventures, Sudokrew, AIGA Honolulu, Goma Games and La Tour Cafe.

About HTDC (High Technology Development Corporation)

HTDC is a state agency, attached to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). HTDC’s mission is to facilitate the development and growth of Hawaii’s high technology industry. HTDC is providing the capital, building the infrastructure and developing the talent to foster innovation and diversify Hawaii’s economy. HTDC’s 80/80 Initiative is to create 80,000 new tech and innovation jobs that will provide high paying jobs for Hawaii residents.

ABOUT DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism)
DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

About DevLeague

Located in Hawaii, DevLeague (www.devleague.com) is the premier technical boot camp in the Pacific, designed to provide mentorship and training to motivated individuals seeking a career path in modern technology. We teach in-demand technical skills such as JavaScript software development, Enterprise software development, Cyber Security and Big Data Analysis and help our students all the way through the job hunt to onboard them into a new career.